CBI to submit both its reports to SC on coal scam

Seeking to buttress its case that there was no dilution of its initial findings, the CBI is likely to submit to Supreme Court both its reports on the status of investigation into the controversial allocation of coal mines.

Seeking to buttress its case that there was no dilution of its initial findings, the CBI is likely to submit to Supreme Court both its reports on the status of investigation into the controversial allocation of coal mines.

Highly-placed sources said on Tuesday that CBI director Ranjit Sinha, who has been asked to submit an affidavit before the Apex court by April 25, is, however, expected to inform the court that the coal report had been discussed with law minister Ashwini Kumar and other officers of the ministry.

The sources said the affidavit would have an annexure containing both the reports – the one which was submitted to the law ministry and the final report prepared by the probe agency.

The Supreme Court may have a look at both the reports and decide whether there has been any dilution in the report, the sources said. Sinha, who will submit his affidavit on April 25, is using services of private lawyer U Lalit after additional solicitor general Harin Raval appearing for the agency, had told the Supreme Court that the report on the alleged irregularities in coal mine allocation has not been shared with anyone.

The sources said the CBI chief would also inform the apex court that by giving such a statement, the additional solicitor general had overstepped his brief as there was no such clearance given for the same.

The statement came as an embarrassment to the CBI in the wake of news reports that the contents of the status report were allegedly shared with the law minister and officials in the Prime Minister's Office and that some alterations were allegedly made. The agency has since decided to hire a private lawyer to file the affidavit for the CBI director as directed by the Supreme Court.

The affidavit will also cite the progress made in the case so far.

BJP and other opposition parties have been demanding resignation of Kumar as the law minister for allegedly interfering with the functioning of the CBI.

The controversy has led to protests both in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha paralysing the resumed Budget session of Parliament session for the second day.